#65: How can our kids survive and thrive in an unjust world (while transforming it for the better)?
with lindo bacon, phd
In this episode we discuss…
An update on the podcast’s direction moving forward
how young people can feel forced to choose between their authentic selves and survival in an unjust world
the value of compassion, vulnerability, and connection around painful feelings and experiences
the roots of shame and the evolutionary function of feeling bad when you don’t fit in
encouraging young people to identify the “problem” in injustice rather than in themselves
why nutrition’s role in good health is “wildly exaggerated and misunderstood”
myth-busting about diabetes and lifestyle diseases
how lifestyle behaviors contribute less than 25% to overall public health outcomes
social determinants of health
the impact of focusing on systems vs. individuals
the power of critical thinking
Lindo’s dream nutrition curriculum and telling kids “you can trust yourself”
why focusing on internal regulation leads people to eat more nutritious diets
how parents can support their children’s gender expression
Lindo’s take on unconditional love
The podcast is back! To kick off the newest season, Zoë is joined by the paradigm-shifting researcher, best selling author, and social justice warrior Dr. Lindo Bacon. They discuss radical belonging, self compassion, shame and vulnerability, myths about nutrition and health, and how to support kids’ unique identities and gender expression — all through the lens of how to help young people not just survive, but thrive, in an unjust world.
Dr. Lindo Bacon is fostering a global transformation toward a more just world—where all bodies are valued, respected, and supported in compassionate self-care. Best known for their paradigm-shifting research and advocacy upending the weight discourse, Bacon’s inspiring message takes us beyond size, to shaping a culture of empathy, equity, and true belonging. Dr. Bacon has mined their deep academic proficiency, wide-ranging clinical expertise, and own personal experience to write two best-selling books, Health at Every Size: The Surprising Truth About Your Weight, and the co-authored Body Respect: What Conventional Health Books Get Wrong, Leave Out, or Just Plain Fail to Understand about Weight. Both are credited with transforming the weight discourse and inspiring a hopeful new course for the global body positivity movement. Their newly released book, Radical Belonging: How to Survive and Thrive in an Unjust World (While Transforming It for the Better), takes their inspiring message beyond size—to shaping a culture of empathy, equity, and true belonging. Bacon’s work is inspired by lessons learned through three graduate degrees in health science, including a Ph.D. in physiology, as well as clinical and research experience. A compelling speaker, writer, and storyteller, Dr. Bacon delivers a unique blend of academic expertise, clinical experience, and social justice advocacy, all couched in raw honesty and compassion that move and inspire.
Connect with Lindo on their website, instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
Resources mentioned or recommended:
Lindo’s newest book Radical Belonging
a range of Health at Every Size resources and research from Lindo
study on housing assistance and type 2 diabetes